Chesterfield Elementary School in Chesterfield, Missouri, is one of 19 elementary schools in the Rockwood School District (a 2006 NSOC)—a district that is highly respected for its accomplishments in character education. Chesterfield has not abandoned the pursuit of knowledge or exchanged it for a watered-down substitute that has little more to offer than sheer sensory delights. On the contrary, students are approaching their studies with renewed vigor and understanding, and they consistently perform well on standardized tests. The difference is that they are now taking charge of their learning. An integral part of Chesterfield’s approach to character education is the challenge of granting students a voice in what they learn and how they learn. Students clearly have a “voice” at Chesterfield. From deciding class norms and providing curriculum input to carrying out service-learning projects, students are made to feel an important part, not only of the character initiative but also of their own learning.
Read more about Chesterfield in the 2008 NSOC book: “Inspiring a Love of Learning”
Signature Practices
Lesson Plan: Who Wants To Be President? A Voice and Choice Lesson of Democracy in Action
Use student voice and choice in a project that is meaningful and applicable in the real world. They will work cooperatively to foster respect, responsibility, and perseverance.
Sample Practice: Homeside Activity: Shining Star
Students work with their families to decorate a paper star that represents the uniqueness of their families. Completed stars are hung in the school hallways.
Promising Practice: Celebrating Good Character
At Chesterfield, student-made videos teach character traits to all students. The videos show character traits in action in relevant, meaningful ways. The practice directly develops good character in all students.
Promising Practice: Adopt-A-Marine
The students have written friendly letters of encouragement and created birthday cards to celebrate the birthday of one of our Marines. The students also raised money and made a donation to a local benefit in support of the recovery efforts of one of our Marines.
Promising Practice: Green Influence
By researching on composting, the school encouraged all members of the school community to compost.The project participants educated students and staff about composting and its effect on the school.
Promising Practice: Honoring our Veterans through Service Learning
All students participated in a learning activity from their curriculum that was related to patriotism and veterans. The ideas came from the school's Character Counts Kids Team who got ideas from their classrooms.
Contact Information
Jill RamseyPrincipal
17700 Wild Horse Creek Road Chesterfield, Missouri
Phone: 636-537-4342
Email: ramseyjill@rockwood.k12.mo.us
Website: www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/chesterfield